DC-DC Converters

[skydawg]

I searched for posts regarding the quality of DC-DC converters but could not find any.

I am looking for a 48-12 step down converter to run a 12v fuse panel off my 48v battery bank. I am aware there are Victron offerings for this but for the 30A version they are asking over $200. Is there an actual tangible build quality / functional / efficiency difference that would justify this price compared to other converters, or are you essentially paying for the name?

Though I am afraid of some of the cheap options on Amazon, the below product seems to be significantly cheaper than Victron with an additional 20A of output. What am I missing?

Step Down DC Converter | 60 Amp

The 60 Amp Step Down DC Converter efficiently decreases higher voltage DC input to a lower level, facilitating safe and reliable power conversion for various electronic applications requiring higher current.

signaturesolar.com

My main components (inverter, charge controllers) are Victron, but the DC-DC converter seems like something I can cheap out on.

 

[OzSolar]

I'd stick with Victron. Maybe others will chime in with ideas now that I've bumped your post.

What part of MO you in? I'm south of Joplin.

 

[HarryN]

For real performance under tough conditions - SECAmerica.

For budget minded - Victron.

For junk - Amazon

 

[WorldwideDave]

For real performance under tough conditions - SECAmerica.

For budget minded - Victron.

For junk - Amazon

Be mindful of the fact that the lower cost ones get very hot. Many people complain that even the 20 amp ones will burn you if you touch them when they are under a load/working. This is especially true if the ones they sell on Amazon for under 40 bucks. If you have all this other Victron stuff, why cheap out now?

 

[HarryN]

Be mindful of the fact that the lower cost ones get very hot. Many people complain that even the 20 amp ones will burn you if you touch them when they are under a load/working. This is especially true if the ones they sell on Amazon for under 40 bucks. If you have all this other Victron stuff, why cheap out now?

Agree - SEC America stuff is another step above Victron if that is what your goal is. Small company on the east coast with a telecom / mil focus.

 

[bobimport]

I searched for posts regarding the quality of DC-DC converters but could not find any.

I am looking for a 48-12 step down converter to run a 12v fuse panel off my 48v battery bank. I am aware there are Victron offerings for this but for the 30A version they are asking over $200. Is there an actual tangible build quality / functional / efficiency difference that would justify this price compared to other converters, or are you essentially paying for the name?

Though I am afraid of some of the cheap options on Amazon, the below product seems to be significantly cheaper than Victron with an additional 20A of output. What am I missing?

Step Down DC Converter | 60 Amp

The 60 Amp Step Down DC Converter efficiently decreases higher voltage DC input to a lower level, facilitating safe and reliable power conversion for various electronic applications requiring higher current.

signaturesolar.com

My main components (inverter, charge controllers) are Victron, but the DC-DC converter seems like something I can cheap out on.

what kind of load are you going to put on it ? try splitting up the load different circuits and putting a Laptop fan on it to keep the heat down . dont mount it flush with the wall let the air flow all around it

 

[augiedoggy]

I searched for posts regarding the quality of DC-DC converters but could not find any.

I am looking for a 48-12 step down converter to run a 12v fuse panel off my 48v battery bank. I am aware there are Victron offerings for this but for the 30A version they are asking over $200. Is there an actual tangible build quality / functional / efficiency difference that would justify this price compared to other converters, or are you essentially paying for the name?

Though I am afraid of some of the cheap options on Amazon, the below product seems to be significantly cheaper than Victron with an additional 20A of output. What am I missing?

Step Down DC Converter | 60 Amp

The 60 Amp Step Down DC Converter efficiently decreases higher voltage DC input to a lower level, facilitating safe and reliable power conversion for various electronic applications requiring higher current.

signaturesolar.com

My main components (inverter, charge controllers) are Victron, but the DC-DC converter seems like something I can cheap out on.

Look for the larger offerings for golf carts for options as well. Many newer carts running 48v use them to power all 12v accessories I use a 30a version myself in my cart and I think I paid like $40 for it. BTW the option you linked is available all over and appears to be popular. Maybe check out the reviews on it from amazon.

 

[SplitUniverse]

Is this in a "mobile" setting?
Every step down DC to DC I've used gets warm / hot depending on the load. (mostly amazon / ebay ones).

 

[Roswell Bob]

I use Meanwell and buy through TRC electronics. I am power conversion engineer with 40+ years of design experience. i am impressed with their gear and buy from them when I can. They are the good Chinese from Taiwan.

 

[SouthernSolar]

I have ran the cheap ones continuously under high load with the addition of a heat sink and fan.

Keep in mind I am cheap and a pack rat so I had stuff laying around

 

[skydawg]

Be mindful of the fact that the lower cost ones get very hot. Many people complain that even the 20 amp ones will burn you if you touch them when they are under a load/working. This is especially true if the ones they sell on Amazon for under 40 bucks. If you have all this other Victron stuff, why cheap out now?

Good point

I guess what kind of surprised me about the cost of the Victron gear is that they offer a 24/12 that does 70a for $125, but the 48/12 that only handles 30a costs $75 more? I guess the difference may be isolated vs non-isolated, but I will have to do some more reading on what exactly the benefits there are.

 

[skydawg]

I'd stick with Victron. Maybe others will chime in with ideas now that I've bumped your post.

What part of MO you in? I'm south of Joplin.

Originally from the Joplin area as well, but currently Columbia